Floods on the West Coast.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5220, 28 January 1885, Page 4

Floods on the West Coast.

♦ [Pee Pbess Association.] GEEYMOUTH, Jan. 27. Incessant heavy rain has fallen since yesterday. Within the last few hours the river rose very rapidly, and is now coining down in a roaring torrent, and still rising. The Mawhera has arrived outside, but has been signalled to sea. Every creek and rivulet in the district is flooded. Telegrams from travellers from inland centres report all the creeks as higher than they have been for two years. There is no sign of any break in the weather. Later. The rain has stopped, and the floods are going down. There was the largest volume of water seen in the river for a number of years. All the lower part of the town is covered, and many houses are flooded. A good deal of the temporary piles and staging of Cobden bridge, in course of erection, were carried away, including some of tho top stringers and a gawntree which carried away, making a very loud crash. All the timberwork between the last two sets of iron cylinders has disappeared, and some loose timber for the bridge on the Cobden side of the river. None of the cylinders are disturbed. The accident was caused by snags and masses of other timber, brought down by the flood, bearing against the temporary piles. Several small bridges in the neighbourhood are reported to have been carried away. Much sympathy is felt for Mr J. "Watson, contractor for Cobden bridge. HOKITIKA, Jan. 27. The incessant downpour of rain to-day and last night caused the heaviest flood in the river experienced for many years. No damage is reported as yet from country districts, with the exception ' that the approaches to the Arahura bridge are being carried away. All road tragic ha,% een suspended.